About This Pub
Ah, The Carlton Arms – it's one of those local gems in Cambridge that really pulls you in with its homely feel and top-notch carvery; I mean, the pork and gammon are so juicy, and that gravy is something else – you'd be hard-pressed not to leave with a smile. The garden area's a lovely spot for a pint on a mild day, especially with the heated cabin and kids' play area making it ideal for families, and they've got cracking events like bingo and live music that keep things lively without being overwhelming. On the flip side, though, it's not all smooth sailing; I've heard a few tales of long queues for food, which can be a bit frustrating if you're peckish, and some noise from the staff or general hubbub might disrupt your evening if you're after a quiet one. Still, the friendly team more than make up for it, and with all the facilities like pool and darts, it's a solid choice for a casual get-together – just keep an eye on the seating if you're sensitive to draughts or crowds.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The carvery is absolutely spot on – tender meats, delicious gravy, and all the trimmings make it a real treat for a hearty Sunday lunch.
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It's a proper family-friendly spot with a children's play area and a heated wooden cabin in the garden, perfect for a relaxed day out with the little ones.
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Friendly staff and a welcoming vibe, especially with events like bingo on Wednesdays and free pool on Fridays – always something fun going on.
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Loads of great facilities like pool tables, dartboards, and live music, plus it's dog-friendly and has outdoor seating for those sunny Cambridge days.
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They've got a private function room that's ideal for parties or meetings, and the overall atmosphere feels warm and community-oriented.
Cons
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There can be long waits for food, as mentioned in a few reviews, which might put a dampener on things if you're in a rush.
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Noise levels can be an issue, with some folks complaining about loud music or banging doors, especially if you're staying overnight.
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Accessibility isn't always straightforward – one reviewer had a bit of trouble with a wheelchair, though the staff were helpful about it.
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Certain spots in the pub, like near doors, can get quite chilly, so you might want to dress warmly or choose your seat wisely.
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The overall experience might vary depending on the time; it seems busier evenings could lead to some organisational hiccups.
Contact Information
53 Carlton Way, Arbury, Cambridge CB4 2DF
+441223367422
Pub
Open Now
Opening Hours
| Monday (Today) | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 00:30 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 00:30 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Recent Reviews
The worst nights sleep of my life.
Woken up regularly. Loud music being played at 4.41am by the staff staying in the next room.
Banging doors at all hours.
One of the staff was having a loud conversation outside my room at
midnight.
Fire escape and only staircase partially blocked
No breakfast during the week.
Absolutely terrible experience.
Always a welcome, bingo on a Wednesday is brilliant it's family friendly and anyone can join in the fun, free pool on a Friday until the brilliant DJ Dan hits the decks, playing old school hip hop/garage/jungle and R&B
Booked a table for carvery and could see lots of others in the restaurant also sat waiting for food to come out. We even overheard a guy complaining at the bar about the wait. The carvery (once it came out) was delicious! Great meats with all the trimmings. It seemed there was one main staff member dealing with drinks, payments, serving, refilling the food trays AND carving the meats.. all on his own!! Well done to him. Poorly run, but well worth the wait I guess.
Amazing Carvery!!! I had pork and gammon my partner had beef and lamo. Tender and juicy. The best gravy (highly recommended) I've ever had and I am not a gravy person. Cauliflower cheese so melty. You have to have the experience.
Lovely carvery and friendly staff. We had some difficulty negotiating the space with a wheelchair but everyone was very helpful. We sat near a door which got quite cold every time someone came in but we know which table to ask for next time.
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